Daijiworld Media Network - Rajasthan

Rajasthan, Nov 16: Trilok Singh, a 26-year-old from a family with a long military tradition, has secured All India Rank 20 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in his third attempt, transforming what he once saw as a setback into a remarkable achievement.

Born in Delhi’s Army Referral Hospital and raised in a village in Rajasthan, Singh grew up aspiring to join the Indian Army, following in the footsteps of his father, who served for 28 years. However, a medical disqualification in 2019 abruptly ended that dream. Determined to continue serving the nation, he turned towards the civil services.

Encouraged by his sister, who had cleared the JRF, Singh decided to prepare for the UPSC examination. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Kirori Mal College, Delhi University, and a master’s degree in Political Science from Jodhpur University. He chose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as his optional subject.

Singh’s journey was far from smooth. He failed to clear the examination twice. The first attempt, he says, lacked depth and focus, particularly in the science and technology segment. In his second attempt, his optional subject scores held him back. Calling these setbacks “feedback, not failure,” he reworked his strategy completely for the third attempt.

For his successful attempt, Singh emphasised structured answer-writing, peer discussions with serving officers, and a refined approach to essay and ethics preparation. He focused on “quality over quantity,” maintaining consistency rather than long hours of study.

His interview, though largely smooth, also carried unexpected questions. Singh recalled being asked the technical difference between Olympic race walking and running, and whether the military had become obsolete given the absence of large-scale wars in recent decades. “The board tests clarity of thought more than factual memory,” he said.

Singh credits his resilience to a disciplined routine, introspection, long walks to clear the mind, and recreational breaks through basketball and watching Grand Slam tennis.

The new civil servant aims to work in sectors close to his roots. “Rural education and agro-industries in Rajasthan need focused innovation,” he said, expressing his desire to contribute to the state’s development.

To UPSC aspirants, Singh advises building personalised strategies, maintaining consistency, and having a backup plan. “Fall in love with the process, not the result,” he said.

Despite the detour from his original ambition, Singh says he has found purpose in public service. “This was not my Plan A, but it is now my mission,” he said.